Kumbh to generate Rs 1.2 lakh cr

Prayagraj, January 20 

The mega Kumbh Mela, which began on January 15 and will continue till March 4, is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 1.2 lakh crore for Uttar Pradesh, says Confederation of Indian Industry.

Although the Kumbh Mela is spiritual and religious in nature, the economic activities associated with it generate employment for over six lakh workers across various sectors, according to a CII report. The Uttar Pradesh Government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for the 50-day Kumbh Mela, which is over thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013, making the mega pilgrimage, perhaps, the costliest ever.

The hospitality sector aims at employing 2,50,000 people, airlines and airports around 1,50,000 and tour operators 45,000. The employment numbers in eco-tourism and medical tourism are estimated at 85,000, says the CII study. Also, there will be 55,000 new jobs in the unorganised sector comprising tour guides, taxi drivers, interpreters and volunteers.This will lead to increased income levels for government agencies and private traders. 

Attracting a massive number of foreign tourists from countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, the Kumbh is expected to generate a revenue of Rs1,200 billion for UP, where it is being held. Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Himachal too will benefit from revenue generation. — PTI